March Lunch Talk #17 Recap: From Energy Consumers to Energy Citizens – How Communities are Shaping the Energy Transition

“Energy citizenship is a status that one holds by virtue of the close connection we already have with the energy system. We're all energy citizens.”

The March lunch talk explored how communities are shifting from passive consumers to active energy citizens in the energy transition. Niall Dunphy, Senior Research Fellow at University College Cork, and Raniero Chelli, EU Climate Pact Ambassador at EuClipa.IT, discussed energy poverty, citizen engagement, and the evolving relationship between individuals and the energy system. They emphasized the need for inclusive policies, community-driven initiatives, and systemic changes for a just and sustainable transition.

Dunphy’s presentation titled “Energy Citizen or Energy Serf”, challenged the traditional view of reducing energy citizens to mere consumers. He argued that energy systems are socio-technical, shaped by both infrastructure and human interaction. While citizen participation is critical for decarbonization, current policies often define energy citizenship through economic engagement, excluding those without financial means.

This approach assumes access to assets like solar panels and electric vehicles, primarily available to the middle class, leaving those facing energy poverty behind. By placing responsibility on individuals rather than institutional powers like governments, public agencies and energy utilities, the dominant narrative overlooks barriers to participation. Dunphy’s recent book, Energy Citizenship: Envisioning Citizens’ Participation in the Energy System, expands on these ideas, advocating for energy citizenship as an inherent status, not earned through specific actions.

He outlined four categories of energy citizenship:

• Consumption-focused citizens: Active consumers and collective energy initiative participants.
• Production-focused citizens: Prosumers and investors in energy projects.
• Socio-political participants: Citizens engaging in legal action or policy advocacy.
• Energy-vulnerable citizens: Those struggling with energy affordability and access.

Dunphy warned that without inclusive policies, many could become "energy serfs," trapped in long term, unattractive energy pricing contracts with little control over their energy choices. 

Raniero Chelli expanded on his work with the European Union Climate Pact, an initiative under the European Green Deal to mobilize citizens for climate action. With over 1,100 ambassadors, the Climate Pact fosters awareness, engagement, and action. Chelli also introduced EuClipa.it, a private Italian association founded by Climate Pact ambassadors, supporting citizen collaboration on climate projects through events, newsletters, podcasts, and webinars. He explained two major initiatives aimed at engaging civil society, particularly students and youth.

One key initiative, #NudgeforClimate: Instructions for applying nudges at school to combat climate change, uses behavioral nudges to promote sustainable choices. These strategies, like social norms, pledges, feedback, gamification, and default settings, tackle psychological barriers. Chelli shared examples, such as water-saving devices showing real-time data to encourage lower consumption, and public transport promotions reinforcing sustainable habits.

Another project, PAESC Giovani, empowers young people in local climate policy. Students are educated on the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP), a municipal commitment under the EU Covenant of Mayors. Though many Italian municipalities have signed on, implementation has been weak. PAESC Giovani helps students assess local plans, engage with officials, and advocate for accountability, ensuring action on commitments.

Chelli also emphasized the importance of positive communication in climate advocacy. Fear-based messages can disengage, while positive framing fosters greater public participation and long-term commitment.

During the Q&A, an audience member asked how citizens can help local governments address energy poverty. Dunphy stressed the need for a two-way approach: governments must create conditions for participation, while citizens must push for policy changes. Substantial support is best provided by third-sector organizations like NGOs and social services, bridging the gap between policymakers and vulnerable communities.

Chelli highlighted energy communities in Italy as a successful model. Energy communities enable collective benefit from shared renewable energy projects, making clean energy accessible to those with limited financial resources. This model demonstrates how public policies can encourage citizen investment while addressing energy poverty.

The session emphasized that an inclusive energy transition requires systemic changes, not just individual actions. While citizen participation is vital, policies must ensure that everyone can contribute to and benefit from the transition. Without safeguards, the divide between energy citizens and energy serfs will deepen existing inequalities.

By implementing equitable policies, fostering strategic engagement, and supporting community-driven initiatives, we can move toward a just and sustainable energy future - one in which every citizen has a role to play.